
Flood in GB district was triggered by a blast from a burst glacier that caused a huge landslide and flash flooding on Friday.
The glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) released water and ice, engulfing several villages and forming a large artificial lake. While extensive damage was reported, authorities ensured no loss of human life.
Officials said that 330 homes in Tildas, Miduri, Mulaabad, Hawks Thangi, Raushan, and Goth villages were hit, and dozens of shops also beared heavy losses.
GB Deputy Commissioner Gupis-Yasin stated that flood effected families are in immediate need of tents, rations and other relief items.
Water has now begun flowing out of the artificial lake through a natural spillway, lowering its level and easing fears of erosion in downstream settlements. Senior Ghizer official Sher Afzal, however, warned that some upstream homes remain inundated and it will take time for floodwaters to drain from affected areas.
Almost 80% of Raushan village was obliterated when the landslide and resulting GLOF hit early Friday, flooding fields and carrying away chunks of road. The artificial lake was more than seven kilometres long.
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Rescue 1122 personnel and Pakistan Army helicopters rescued more than 200 individuals, delivering emergency medical treatment and temporary shelter. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan visited the affected areas and ordered complete mobilisation of relief assets.
Officials warned that the natural dam at Raushan is still unstable, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a high alert with heavy rains expected from August 23.